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Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Losing Gabriel by Lurlene McDaniel

Author: Lurlene McDaniel Publication: June 14, 2016By: Delacorte PressAmazon | B&N | GoodreadsThis
emotionally-charged novel about three high school seniors who in the
midst of planning their futures after high school are instead faced with
present circumstances that force them to grasp what it means to make
choices, take responsibility, and truly become an adult.Lani
Kennedy has dreamed of becoming a nurse since her cousin Arie died of
leukemia. Nothing will stop her from getting into the local nursing
program.

Dawson Burke hasn’t dealt with his mom’s death, and he’s
angry at his dad for moving them to Windemere right before senior year.
He grudgingly accepts that he must wait till graduation before he
leaves.

Sloan Quentin can belt out a song and knows that her band
is her ticket to fame and fortune. When she discovers that her
boyfriend—the band’s lead guitarist—is cheating on her, she finds
comfort—and revenge—in someone else’s arms.

When the lives of
Lani, Dawson, and Sloan become entangled in unexpected ways, reality
hits harder than anyone could have imagined.

*Thank you Random House Children's Books for sending me a finished copy--which is gorgeous, btw--to review*

This
was nothing like I expected. The summary isn't joking when it says this
is an emotionally charged story. I cried more than once, starting with
the dedication.

This is told in alternating POVs and follows the
lives of Lani, Dawson, and Sloane from their Senior into the first few
years of adulthood, so it's not a typical YA. This is not a love
triangle. (highlight text to view spoiler) Lani has a mad crush on Dawson in the beginning, but they run in different circles. He doesn't know she exists.It IS a story of about life, love, loss, heartbreak, and redemption.

While
this read more like an adult novel, and felt rushed in places, I
enjoyed seeing how Lurlene McDaniel wove the characters and their lives
together.